UK Enterprise Awards 2021

158 | UK Enterprise Awards 2021 Apr21580 Best Broadband Supplier to Renewable Energy Sites 2021 Established in 2009, Loxton Consultancy Ltd provides SME and corporate clients with a one-stop shop approach to their telecom and disaster recovery requirements. Following its well-deserved success in the UK Enterprise Awards 2021, we got in touch with Managing Consultant Ashley Loxton to discover more about his extraordinary firm. Whether your requirement is to provide broadband for solar farms, Battery Storage sites or remote locations, Loxton Consultancy can help clients find an appropriate solution irrespective of the budget. Prior to launching the business Ashley spent 25 years in consultative sales, and most recently, he has been focused on supplying and installing the Eutelsat (Tooway) Satellite Broadband System into photovoltaic (PV) solar farms, Battery Storage Sites and construction sites. Whilst specialising in providing satellite broadband systems, 4G, landline broadband and associated equipment to EPC contractors, main contractors and developers, the firm focuses on its customer service to ensure a personal and responsive service is delivered. Ashley added “As the Owner and sole employee of Loxton Consultancy Ltd, I’m very efficient in dealing with client requests (i.e the sourcing of custom hardware and finding bespoke solutions). In addition to installing and advising on suitable solutions, I offer clients ongoing support”. Initially competition proved a significant challenge for the firm, however as Ashley goes on to explain, it soon managed to distance itself from the crowd thanks to its unique offering. “The first three years of trading were difficult until I discovered the need for satellite broadband in temporary constructions sites. Having identified this niche market I have now gone onto to install the Tooway Satellite Broadband System, which has been remarkably reliable. Each system offers up to 30Mbps download speed and up to 6Mbps upload speed, which is more than adequate to handle the CCTV and monitoring requirements of a solar farm. It goes without saying that homeowners in rural locations with typically very slow landline broadband connections could benefit from satellite broadband, especially if they are home workers”. With Ashley being the sole employee of Loxton Consultancy Ltd, the importance of qualifications cannot be underestimated as he explains further. “Completing the CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries) Foundation Level Diploma in Signal Reception certainly increased my knowledge of the industry. In addition, I completed the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test required for the Skilled Worker CSCS card and the Netherlands VCA Basic Health & Safety Diploma during October 2019. Without other team members on board, it’s my responsibility to expand my knowledge as and when required”. In recent years Loxton Consultancy Ltd has been able to take advantage of several opportunities, however as Ashley points out, the pause in construction, due to the removal of the Government subsidy in March 2017 followed by the Covid-19 pandemic, has been a major setback. “Post 2017 companies switched to the construction of battery storage sites either alongside existing solar & wind farms or adjacent to National Grid substations. Now there is probably an equal number of solar farms and battery storage sites under construction. In terms of broadband technology, satellite still remains the dominant first choice but 4G broadband is being chosen as an alternative where there is a strong signal. Over the past 18 months COVID-19 restrictions have impacted on the construction of sites, but hopefully things will pick up again as more people get vaccinated”. Finally, Ashley discusses the main benefits of the firm’s location before outlining some of its future plans. “Being located in Winchester is convenient as it’s a great location to serve the whole of the UK. Moving forward, as the subject of renewable energy is becoming the key focus of many Governments, I expect there to be a significant increase in the number of projects requiring my services. The Republic of Ireland recently announced the results of its RESS-1 Auction for renewable energy projects so I’m currently working hard to capitalise on this new opportunity”. Company: Loxton Consultancy Ltd Contact: Ashley Loxton Email: ashley.loxton@loxtonconsultancy.co.uk Web: www.loxtonconsultancy.co.uk